Max and Bonnie: The Next Generation of Pokémon Trainers

The Legacy of Ash Ketchum

As Ash Ketchum's journey in the Pokémon anime reached its final arc, fans and creators alike began to consider who could take up the mantle as the series' main protagonist. Ash, having traveled through countless regions with various companions, left behind a legacy enriched with friendship, determination, and the pursuit of becoming the best Pokémon trainer in the world. While new protagonists like Liko from Pokémon Horizons have made their debut, no potential successors embody Ash's spirit quite like his companions, Max and Bonnie.

Max: The Next Pokémon Gym Leader

Max, who traveled with Ash through the Hoenn region along with his older sister May, has long been a character fans have wanted to see blossom into a Pokémon trainer. Known for his vast knowledge of Pokémon despite his young age, Max often acted as the brains behind the group. His dream to become the Gym Leader of Petalburg City, like his father Norman, makes for a compelling story arc that could be explored in-depth in a future series.

Max's growth as a character would provide a heartfelt narrative. During his travels, he learned valuable lessons from Ash about what it truly takes to be a Pokémon trainer. If given the opportunity, Max's development into a Gym Leader and his quest to catch the Ralts he once befriended could form a nostalgic connection for fans who followed his initial journey. Additionally, his rivalry—a potential storyline revolving around a hunt for the mythical Pokémon Jirachi—could serve as a secondary focus hearkening back to old-school Pokémon adventures.

Learn about Norman, Max's father, and other Hoenn Gym Leaders.

Bonnie: The Spirited Adventurer

On the other side of the equation is Bonnie, who traveled with Ash in the Kalos region. Bonnie's infectious enthusiasm and genuine love for Pokémon made her a fan favorite during the Pokémon XY series. Like Max, Bonnie also came from a family connected to a Gym Leader—her brother Clemont was the Lumiose City Gym Leader. Although Bonnie could not initially train Pokémon due to her age, she played pivotal roles in the series, even saving the world by looking after Squishy, the Zygarde Core.

Bonnie's storyline has all the elements for a dynamic lead character in a new Pokémon series. She has the charisma and adventurous spirit akin to Ash, and having grown up in the lively settings of a Gym, her path would be filled with both seasoned mentorship and personal discovery. Her potential conflicts could relate to choosing a direction given the influence of various role models, such as Clemont and Serena. This would pose an intriguing narrative of identity and self-discovery, akin to the struggles Ash faced regularly.

Explore the role of Zygarde in the Pokémon universe.

Why Max and Bonnie Deserve a Future Series

The Pokémon franchise has a history of reinventing itself to cater to both loyal fans and new generations. Max and Bonnie as successors present a blend of familiarity and fresh narratives. Both characters are equipped with the potential to draw in viewers who have been disconnected with newer series, like Sun and Moon, by providing narratives rooted deeply in the franchise’s history yet revitalized with new ambitions and friendships.

While Max would ground the series in traditional elements, like Gym battles, Bonnie's inclusion of Pokémon contests and performances offers diversity in storytelling that could appeal broadly, including the newer female fanbase. Together, Max and Bonnie’s narratives could craft a series rich with balance, emotion, and an understanding of what it means to grow into oneself while also honoring the classic adventures fans have loved since Ash first set out on his journey.

Discover the evolution of the Pokémon anime series.

Whatever direction the franchise chooses to take moving forward, incorporating these beloved characters could provide a rich, engaging path for the next generation of Pokémon fans. Their stories offer a unique opportunity to reflect on the themes of growth and friendship that have always been at the heart of Pokémon, making them perfect successors to the legendary Ash Ketchum.